Programme 1993 – Carmen

HAWKE’S BAY OPERA

presents
Carmen
by Bizet

HASTINGS MUNICIPAL THEATRE
April 25, 27, 29 and May 1, 1993

New Zealand International Festival of the Arts

From 25 February 1994, Wellington will host the fifth New Zealand International Festival of the Arts.

As New Zealand’s premier arts event, the Festival consistently selects the most acclaimed performances from this country and around the globe. This has created what is now one of the finest multi-arts Festivals in the world.

Festival Season Ticket

Tonight, you will receive a copy of the Season Ticket brochure and application form. Take a close look at the benefits that the Season Ticket has to offer. The Season Ticket is the cost saving way to book the best seats early for the Festival. You can save up to $300 on a Single Season Ticket and up to $700 on a Double Season Ticket.

30 June 1993. Make a date with the Festival.

Everyone looks forward to the announcement of the Festival programme highlights. This year on 30 June, the Festival Artistic Director, Rob Brookman, will unveil the programme at a special gala occasion in the Michael Fowler Centre. Make a note of the date, the evening will have special performances to enhance the stunning visual presentation of the programme for the 1994 Festival.

If you would like to know more

Here in the Hawke’s Bay, the local contact person for the Friends of the Festival is Rosalind Elliott, a Trustee of the Hawkes Bay Opera.

You can call Rosalind on 06 835 7656.

New Zealand International Festival of the Arts
PO Box 10-113 Wellington
Phone 04 473-0149
Fax 04 471-1164

Page 3

1993   HAWKE’S BAY OPERA
P.O. BOX 803, HASTINGS

PATRON
Patrick Power, B.A. Dip. Mus. (Hons)

CHAIRMAN
Naomi Baker

SECRETARY
Sam Browne

TREASURER
Elizabeth Carr

TRUSTEES
Doug Crofskey
Rosalind Elliott
Len Evans
Bernie Flack
Beverley Heard
Ian Kerr
Peter Mackie
Michael Morgan
Cedric Wright

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN

Welcome to you all and thank you for your support. We are deeply grateful to our sponsors and donors for subsidising the costs of “Carmen”.

The aim of the Trust is to produce opera in Hawke’s Bay using the best directors and performers available, while providing a forum to show and develop our local talent.

Although good to have a beautiful building in which to present opera, to what avail if through lack of funding the very purpose of this theatre cannot be fulfilled? Without the sponsors the aim cannot be achieved.

I thank the Board of Trustees and Management Committee for their commitment and voluntary effort.

Our fourth opera marks another milestone, with the leading role being performed by a Napier singer who is fulfilling early promise of a successful singing career.

Enjoy now the character of the opera; majestic music, intrigue, wilful passion and tragedy, the essence of “Carmen” herself.

Naomi Baker
Chairman

Page 4

Hawke’s Bay Opera gratefully acknowledges the following sponsors

MAJOR SPONSORS

THE HASTINGS BUILDING SOCIETY
Foundation sponsor

Brierley Investments Ltd
Queen Elizabeth II Arts Council
Saddles Function Centre

DONORS

Kingdom Foundation
Tasman Smith Charitable Trust

PLATINUM PATRONS

Mr and Mrs Hugh Baird
Dent Robertson and Partners
Mrs J.D. Goring-Johnston
Mr and Mrs S.W. Marr
Jean and George Newdick
Mrs Thelma Smith

GOLD PATRONS

Dr and Mrs G.M. Beacham
J.W.W. Franssen
Mr and Mrs James Williams
Mr Alan Brabant

SILVER PATRONS

Mr and Mrs C.W. Alexander
John and Janet Averill
Anonymous
Terry Longley and Son
Dr and Mrs Rhod Murray
Len and Judy Potts
Dan and Raewyn Ricketts
Mr Ronald Shakespeare
Drs O. and L. Smales
Mr and Mrs G.E. Vogtherr
Mr J.W. Whittaker

BRONZE PATRONS

Mrs Elizabeth Curtis
International Insurance Brokers
Mrs D.H. Knight
Lioness Club of Hastings
Craig and Ann Morgan
Frances Morgan
Mr and Mrs B.A. Ralph
Bryan Hutchinson Ltd
Mr and Mrs J.A. Nash
Dr and Mrs David Davidson
St Andrew’s Estate Cidery
Mrs Betty Tyler
Kennedy Road Physiotherapy

HAWKE’S BAY OPERA
P.O.BOX 803, HASTINGS

Membership entitles you to:
Preferential bookings
Regular newsletters
Invitations to Hawke’s Bay Opera functions
Discounts for some functions
Name recognition in programmes
I/We enclose $25/$40 for single/family membership of Hawke’s Bay Opera for the year 1 January 1993 to 31 December 1993
OR
I/We enclose patronage donation:
Bronze   $50
Silver   $100
Gold   $300
Platinum   $500
Name
Address
Telephone

Corporate patronage available   please contact Secretary

Page 5

THE STORY OF THE OPERA

ACT I   A square in Seville on a hot day in 1820. On one side a tobacco factory; on the other the guardhouse in front of which soldiers watch the townsfolk. Micaela, a young country girl enters looking for a corporal called Don Jose. Morales tells her that Jose is due to arrive soon but Micaela rather than face the attentions of the dragoons says she will come back. Shortly afterwards the relieving guard files in headed by Lieutenant Zuniga and Corporal Don Jose. Zuniga, who is new to Seville asks if the factory girls are pretty but Jose says he has never noticed.
The cigarette girls erupt from the factory for a break and the ardent young men gather round – but their fascination is primarily with the gypsy Carmen who has made her entrance heralded by a quick little version of her “Fate” theme. She provocatively sings the ‘Habanera’ which expresses the capriciousness of her nature. – “If you love me then beware”. Don Jose however pays her no attention. Annoyed, she throws a flower at him and disappears. Jose picks it up – but it is only when he smells it that we detect the beginning of a subtle change in him.

Micaela returns bringing messages from his mother whose letter urges him to marry Micaela. She retires in confusion when she hears this leaving him to read it alone. Suddenly there is uproar in the factory and the girls rush out. There has been a fight and Carmen has wounded Manuelita! Carmen refuses to answer Zuniga’s questions and he decides to arrest her. While he is writing the order Carmen exerts all her charms on Don Jose and he agrees to let her escape. As she is led away Carmen pushes Jose violently to the ground and escapes. Jose is placed under arrest.

INTERVAL – 8 MINUTES

ACT II   The tavern of Lillas Pastia two months later: Carmen dances and sings with her friends . . . Zuniga tells Carmen that Don Jose who has been in prison for helping her escape has just been released. A procession in honour of the famous toreador Escamillo goes by and he is invited in and tells of his exploits. He is instantly attracted by Carmen but her response is equivocal.

He leaves and Lillas Pastia chases everyone out. Carmen, Frasquita and Mercedes are left alone with two gypsy smugglers, Dancairo and Remendado who have a plan for which they need the girls’ help. Frasquita and Mercedes are willing but Carmen is expecting a visit from Don Jose. She is in love! She says she will try to persuade Jose to join them. Jose arrives, she dances and sings for him but on hearing the bugle signalling a return to barracks he says he must leave. Carmen furiously accuses him of not loving her at all and dismisses him scornfully. In answer he produces the flower she had flung at him two months before. Carmen is unconvinced: if he really loved her he would desert and join the smugglers. Shocked at this suggestion Jose is about to leave but Zuniga appears. The rivals confront each other but the gypsies rush in and disarm Zuniga. Jose realises that he has no option but to join the gypsies.

INTERVAL – 12 MINUTES

Act III   The gypsies’ camp in the mountains, a wild rocky spot where they rest before smuggling their goods into the city. The love-affair of Carmen and Jose has run its course: she is tired of him and he, though still obsessed with her, is tense and unhappy. Mercedes and Frasquita read their fortunes in the cards but when Carmen cuts the cards they foretell only death.

Remendado and Dancairo bring word that three Customs officers have been sighted and Carmen and friends leave to lure them away. Furious, Jose is left to guard the camp.

A lonely frightened Micaela now appears to try and recall Jose to a sense of duty. She is about to speak to Jose when he fires a shot at an approaching stranger. She hides. The stranger is Escamillo who has come looking for Carmen on hearing that she is tired of her current lover. They fight but the smugglers return and stop them thereby saving the life of Escamillo. He then invites everyone to a bullfight in Seville in which he is appearing a few days later.

Micaela’s hiding place is now discovered. She tells Jose that his mother is dying and persuades him to return home with her. Carmen exults but Jose declares that she is still his and that he will return.

Act IV   Outside the arena in Seville. It is the day of Escamillo’s bullfight and Carmen is by his side. The crowd, the urchins and the gypsies cheer the toreadors as they pass in procession. Frasquita and Mercedes warn Carmen that they have seen Jose in the crowd but typically, rather than escape, she turns to confront her fate. Jose desperately implores her not to leave him but she declares their affair is finished and that she now loves Escamillo. Goaded beyond endurance and still hopelessly in love with her. Jose draws his knife and stabs her. Inside the arena the crowd cheers Escamillo’s victory.

Page 6

PHILLIPA READE   Carmen

In 1983 Phillipa was a finalist in the Dame Sister Mary Leo Scholarship and represented New Zealand in the Australian Marianne Mathy Scholarship. In the same year she was the Auckland Competitions’ Society vocal champion, won the S.K. Phillips Memorial Scholarship and gained her ATCL performance examination. In 1984 Phillipa won the Mathy Scholarship and went to the Queensland Conservatorium of Music. She completed her studies with a post-graduate year at the Royal College of Music, London. In 1986 she attained her ARCM performance examination and took the post-graduate singing prize. In 1990 Phillipa won the Petrocorp Scholarship to sing in ‘Die Meistersinger’ in the Wellington International Festival of the Arts. She played the part of Cherubino in Auckland Opera’s The Marriage of Figaro’ and was chorus mistress for The Pearl Fishers’ for Hawke’s Bay Opera. In 1992 she won the Dame Sister Mary Leo Scholarship. Phillipa leaves us soon to continue her studies in Vienna.

HOWARD SPICER   Don Jose

Born in Victoria, Australia, Howard Spicer made his debut with the Victorian Opera Company in Weill’s ‘Mahagonny’. He has sung Romeo in Gounod’s ‘Romeo et Juliette’, Pinkerton in ‘Madame Butterfly’, Des Grieux in ‘Manon’, Alfredo in ‘La Traviata” and Cavaradossi in ‘Tosca’ and for Australian Opera Turiddu in ‘Cavalleria Rusticana’. He was commissioned to write a work for a schools’ programme and for a film on his work with children and members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders’ Dance Theatre. In 1980 Howard studied in Germany under Hendrikus Rootering, performed with the Stadtische Buhne Munster and in concerts throughout Germany. He has sung in New Zealand for the Dunedin Opera Company in ‘Yeoman of the Guard’ and ‘La Traviata’, and for Hawke’s Bay Opera as Rodolpho in ‘La Boheme’ and understudied Patrick Power for The Pearl Fishers’.

IOSEFA ENARI   Escamillo

Iosefa was born in Western Samoa. He was runner-up in the North Shore and Rotorua Aria finals in 1985. In 1987 Iosefa won the New Zealand Herald Aria competition and was a semi-finalist in the Mobil Song Quest. In that year he played Papageno in ‘The Magic Flute’ for Perkel Opera for whom he has also played Germont in ‘La Traviata’. He has performed lead roles in “Madame Butterfly’, Turandot’, ‘The Barber of Seville’, ‘The Marriage of Figaro’ and ‘Porgy and Bess’ for Mercury Opera, Iosefa is a keen oratorio soloist and has performed in ‘The Messiah’, ‘Elijah’ and ‘St Matthew’s Passion’. Later this year he travels to Boston and New York to further his vocal studies with the help of Te Waka Toi, The Queen Elizabeth II Arts Council and a Fulbright Scholarship.

GAYE CARRINGTON-SMITH   Micaela

Gaye Carrington-Smith of Palmerston North was a semi-finalist in the 1985 Mobil Song Quest. Her first operatic role was in 1988 when she played Leila in ‘The Pearl Fishers’ for Wellington City Opera. She also played Countess Ceprano in ‘Rigoletto’. She has performed and understudied in ‘Il Seraglio’, ‘Madame Butterfly’, ‘Il Trovatore’ and ‘La Boheme’. She understudied the role of Leila for Hawke’s Bay Opera’s ‘The Pearl Fishers’ in 1991. In 1992 Gaye was guest soloist in Patrick Power Presents at the Century Theatre.

JILLIAN ANDERTON   Frasquita

Originally from Auckland, Jillian is now living in Christchurch. In the early 1980’s whilst completing her Bachelor of Arts, Jillian studied with Frances Wilson in Auckland, then in London with David Harper. This was followed by studies with Ed Zambara at the Boston Conservatory with Lorraine Nubar of New York. Between 1986 and 1989 she performed numerous roles for the Auckland Opera Company, including the title roles in Lucia di Lammermoor. Madame Butterfly and Suor Angelica. In 1987 Jillian won second prize in the Dame Sister Mary Leo Competition and was a finalist in the Australian Singing Competition. In 1990 Jillian studied and performed in Germany, taking classes with Margaret Singer at the Karlsruhe Music Conservatory and with Uli Windfuhr at Nuremberg Opera. Jillian has most recently made her debut with Canterbury Opera as Zerlina in Don Giovanni.

Page 7

Mercedes   TRACEY MELLELIEU

Tracey is a fulltime voice and music student at Hawke’s Bay Polytech. In 1992 she won the Hawke’s Bay Song and Opera Scholarship for attendance at the National Singing School, and in 1993 was awarded the National Singing School Royal Overseas League Scholarship. In 1989 she played Eva Peron in ‘Evita’ for Palmerston North Operatic and in 1991 was Lady Bellaston in Napier Operatic’s Tom Jones’. Tracey is also a Medical Laboratory Scientist.

Remendado   HAMISH MORRISON

Hamish is from Wellington. He has completed Grade VIII in piano and singing. He has worked as a drama teacher in London where he was also a graphic design studio manager. He has performed in operatic roles in Germany, Sussex, London and in the N.Z. Opera Gala at Covent Garden as the Apprentice in ‘Die Meistersinger’. He has sung with the English Chorale Chamber Choir and the Orpheus Choir, Wellington. He has also performed for Wellington City Opera.

Dancairo   DAVID SKINNER

David has sung some forty operatic baritone roles for Auckland Opera Trust, Auckland Symphonia Opera, Perkel Opera, Auckland Opera and Ballet Trust, TVNZ Opera and Wellington City Opera. He has played both Figaros, Scarpia in Tosca’, Schaunard and Marcello in La Boheme’, Escamillo and Dancairo in ‘Carmen’, Guiglielmo in ‘Cosi fan Tutte’ and Tonio in ‘Pagliacci’. He has also played principal roles in light opera and musical comedy including Petrucchio in ‘Kiss Me Kate’, Ravenal in ‘Showboat’ and Tevye in ‘Fiddler on the Roof. David is a geologist-science manager with the Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences Ltd. He is married to Shirley Kauter from Napier.

Zuniga   ALEX BURNS

A love of theatre and music has led to T.V. and nightclub appearances in Australia and New Zealand. Alex has played leads in ‘The Sound of Music’, ‘And So to Bed’, ‘Patience’ and ‘My Fair Lady’. He has appeared in ‘Dido and Aneas’, ‘Ginna Schicci’ and ‘Cavalleria Rusticana’. He sang for Hawke’s Bay Opera in ‘La Traviata’ and ‘The Pearl Fishers’ and played Benoit in ‘La Boheme’.

Morales   MICHAEL HEWITT

Morales is Michael’s first role in professional opera. Michael is a foundation member of the “Hawke’s Bay Song and Opera Workshop” and has performed many baritone lead roles in local opera productions, including Papageno in ‘The Magic Flute’, Figaro in ‘The Marriage of Figaro’, Guglielmo in ‘Cossi Fan Tutte’ and The Consul in ‘Madame Butterfly’. He is interested in all aspects of classical singing, especially Lieder and French song. He is a busy family general practitioner and runs a vineyard of classical grape varieties.

Lillas Pastia   WAYNE LISTER

Wayne’s first experience with musicals was in 1960 playing in Kismet for the Napier Operatic Society. He has since played lead roles for the Hastings Operatic Society, Napier Frivolity Minstrels, the Hastings Musical Comedy Company and Hastings Group Theatre. He was the Customs Official in Hawke’s Bay Opera’s ‘La Boheme’.

Page 8

RICHARD CAMPION   Director

Richard was born in Wellington and educated at Victoria University and Wellington Teachers’ College. His introduction to opera came in London while he was attending the Old Vic Theatre School. He has directed plays for The New Zealand Players and the first opera for the New Zealand Opera Company, ‘The Consul’ by Menotti. He has directed ‘Die Fledermaus’ by Offenbach, ‘Carmen’ starring Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, ‘La Traviata’ and ‘Lucia Di Lammermoor’ starring Dame Malvina Major and ‘Carmen’ again for Wellington City Opera. In 1990 he arranged and co-directed the ‘Re-enactment of the Signing of the Treaty’ at Waitangi. Richard directed ‘La Traviata’ in 1988, ‘La Boheme’ in 1990 and ‘The Pearl Fishers’ in 1991 for Hawke’s Bay Opera, all to high acclaim.

KEITH Brazier   Set Designer

Keith’s connection with theatre goes back 40 years. He took part in Hastings Musical Comedy Company productions over 32 years and designed and painted scenery for many of their shows. He designed and painted the sets for ‘La Bohéme’ and ‘The Pearl Fishers’ for Hawke’s Bay Opera. Keith is a graphic artist with his studio in Hastings. He and his wife Peggy are involved in the restoration of the Hastings Municipal Theatre.

SHIRLEY JARRETT   Choreographer

Shirley studied for her qualifications in London and Los Angeles. In 1988 she wrote ‘An Evening with Gershwin’ which was staged by the Napier Operatic Society and went on to win the J.C. Williamson Award for New Zealand. She was choreographer for Hawke’s Bay Opera’s ‘The Pearl Fishers’ and in 1992 she wrote ‘The Life of Jerome Kern’ for Napier Operatic. Shirley is also working on the opening extravaganza for the Napier Frivolity Ministrels’ new Variety Theatre. Shirley is a tutor in dance and stage movement at the Hawke’s Bay Polytechnic’s new course for singers and musicians which began in March.

GWYN ACE   Lighting Adviser

Gwyn has worked in theatre for over 30 years mainly in the areas of Staging, lighting and make-up. Productions he has lit include ‘Man of La Mancha’, ‘My Fair Lady’, ‘Chicago’, ‘Fiddler on the Roof’, ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’, ‘Cabaret’, ‘Music Hall’ and for Hawke’s Bay Opera ‘La Bohéme’ and ‘The Pearl Fishers’.

LOIS REEFMAN   Wardrobe Mistress

Lois, a qualified designer, has organised the wardrobes of Hawke’s Bay Opera’s ‘La Traviata’, ‘La Bohéme’ and ‘The Pearl Fishers’. She has spent over 20 years in theatre production, mainly in the costume department working with most theatre groups in this region and also with the Levin Operatic Society.

ROBIN JOHNSON   Lighting Manager

Robin has been involved in most aspects of theatre over the last 23 years and attends overseas performances whenever possible. he has been involved in lighting ‘La Traviata’, ‘La Boheme’ and ‘The Pearl Fishers’ for Hawke’s Bay Opera and is a great enthusiast for ‘Carmen’.

BARBARA JONES   Properties Manager

Barbara is skilled at selecting just the right pieces for the productions she works on. Barbara works regularly with local operatic societies and has been properties’ mistress for Hawke’s Bay Opera for ‘La Traviata’, ‘La Bohéme’ and ‘The Pearl Fishers’.

Page 9

Conductor   ALAN FOSTER

Conductor Alan Foster has spent the last twenty-two years as a violinist with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. During this time he has conducted the NZSO, the Wellington Chamber Orchestra, Opera-Technique, Mobil Song Quest finals, De La Tour Opera, Opera Guild, and was resident Musical Director of the Wellington City Opera 1987 to 1989. In 1984 Alan took a year’s leave from the NZSO, when he conducted concerts in Sydney with the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra, played in the Sydney Symphony and Sydney Bach Orchestra, followed by a period of study with the Cologne Opera in Germany. Upon his return he conducted a season of La Bohéme for the Hawke’s Bay Opera, followed by concerts with the St. Matthew’s Chamber Orchestra of Auckland, Wellington Chamber Orchestra and the directorship of the Waikato Music School. He is engaged in 1993 for St Matthew’s, Wellington Chamber Orchestra, Waikato Music School and the Dunedin Sinfonia. Alan has spent many hours adapting the ‘Carmen’ score for this production.

Chorus Mistress   DARYN ELSTON-SMITH

Daryn is a music graduate of Canterbury University and has her F.T.C.L. in solo singing. She has sung several lead and supporting operatic roles in New Zealand as well as performing in numerous recitals and concerts. Daryn was a foundation member of the New Zealand National Youth Choir, and has directed many secondary school choirs and tutored at National Secondary Schools Choral Courses. She presently maintains a busy teaching practice both in Wellington and Hawke’s Bay. This is the second time she has been Chorus Mistress for Hawke’s Bay Opera, the first being for the 1988 production of ‘La Traviata’.

ORCHESTRA

Leader:   Helen Tippler

First Violin
*Helen Tippler   H.B.
Gretchen Anderson   H.B.
Tiffany Anderson   H.B.
Horn Christiana Stevens   H.B.
Penni Taylor   H.B.
Beatrice Wilson   Wgtn

Second Violin
Jan Thompson   H.B.
Kate Holden   H.B.
*Elizabeth Ralph   H.B.
*Robyn Smith   H.B.

Viola
*Marian Stronach   H.B.
*Sue Branch   H.B.
*Kathy Brenstrum   H.B.

Cello
*Stephen Gibbs   H.B.
Wendy Johnson   H.B.
Melanie Johnson   H.B.
Paula Watson   H.B.

Double Bass
*Karen Tebay   H.B.
*Rosemary Severinsen

Flute and Piccolo
Dana Parkhill   H.B.
Briar Towers   Wgtn

Oboe
Merran Cooke   Wgtn
*Julian Pook   H.B.

Cor Anglais
Merran Cooke   Wgtn

Clarinet
*Karen Edwards   H.B.
Frances Morgan   H.B.

Bassoon
Mark McEwan   Auck

Horn
Michael Winter   H.B.
Charlotte Maddren   Wgtn

Trumpet
Jonathon Krebs   H.B.
*Graeme Harrington   H.B.

Trombone
Kali Barton   Wgtn
*Raewyn McIndoe   H.B.

Harp
Natalia Mann   Auck

Tympani
Grant Myhill   H.B.

Percussion
Grant Myhill H.B.
Daryn Elston-Smith Wgtn

*members of Hawke’s Bay Regional Orchestra

Rehearsal Pianists:   Marie Stothart   Corrie Hughes   Elizabeth Curtis   Shirley Bell   Geraldine Power

Page 10

carmen

An opera in four acts
Music by Georges Bizet
Libretto by Henri Meilhac and Ludovic Halevy

Characters
Carmen   A cigarette girl and gypsy   Phillipa Reade
Done Josi   A corporal   Howard Spicer
Escamillo   A toreador   Iosefa Enari
Micaela   A peasant girl   Gaye Carrington-Smith
Mercedes   Carmen’s friend  Tracey Mellelieu
Frasquita    Carmen’s friend   Jillian Anderton
Remendado   A smuggler    Hamish Morrison
Dancairo    A smuggler   David Skinner
Zuniga   A lieutenant   Alex Burns
Morales   A corporal   Michael Hewitt
Lillas Pastia   Wayne Lister
Andres   Ross Lange
Manuelita   Deborah Percy

Ladies and gentlemen of the chorus

Lillian Chittenden
Adele Cochrane
Eileen von Dadelszen
June Farmer
Valda Gillies
Elaine Goodwin
Anne Hiha
Deborah Percy
Margaret Sloane
Glen Sutherland
Frances Tod
Alison Wall
Glen Ward
Eve Weir
Jenny Leu Williams
Lex Barker
Sam Browne
Warwick Bull
Scott Cormack
Callum Dodunski
Chris Gibbs
Tarver Graham
Henk van Hooijdonk
Ken Keys
Ross Lange
John Latton
Wayne Lister
Ray McHalick
Peter McNeill
John Pryce
David Reefman
Hans Spijkaer
Simon Thompson
Jon Warren

Dancers

Joanna Gregory
Rick Behague

Children

Angela von Dadelszen
Helen von Dadelszen
John von Dadelszen
Louise von Dadelszen
Tom Hewitt
Dane Isherwood
Jenny Lyons
Tom McArdle
Marguerite Paku
Rachel Plummer
Peter Simpson
Trygve Wakenshaw

Understudies

Carmen   Kathleen Craig
Don Jose   Michael Kyle
Escamillo   Bernard Jennings
Micaela   Catherine McDonald
Frasquita   Caroline Hickman
Mercedes   Valda Gillies
Remendado   Ross Lange
Dancairo   Michael Hewitt
Zuniga   Ken Keys
Morales   Jon Warren

Page 11

DIRECTOR’S NOTES

‘Carmen’ in the Bay

This is the people’s opera. Everybody knows the music! There are ‘Dance Carmens’, ‘Cute Carmens’, Outdoors with Bulls, films and all and probably ‘Carmens on Ice’.

This will be Bizet’s original version – music, song and dance, and dialogue. We follow the story by the Frenchman Prosper Merrimee, as Bizet fashioned it.

Yes, but what will the Hawke’s Bay ‘Carmen’ be like?

Well, who sings Carmen? Somebody from ‘Oz’? No.

The best prepared and the most ‘suited-to-the-role’ mezzo-soprano we could find was here in the Bay – Philippa Reade.

– Like Dames Malvina and Kiri before her she was the latest star of that producer and protector of fine voices, Sister Mary Leo.

– She studied the role of Carmen with Don Smith – an outstanding tough Jose to Kiri’s young, seductive Carmen in my first production of the opera.

And Jose? The tenor role of the serious northerner who succumbs to the gypsy magic – and kills and dies for it – will be the Rodolfo from our Boheme – Howard Spicer over from Aussie.

From Auckland comes the young, handsome, vibrant and Spanish-looking baritone Iosefa Enari who sang the Count in ‘Marriage of Figaro’ at the Aotea and was recently in the Bay bringing opera to the schools.

Gaye Carrington-Smith leaves her husband’s Palmerston North dairy farm to sing the country girl Micaela. And yes, Christchurch and Wellington provide other top singers.

Who will conduct? The man from ‘Boheme’, Alan Foster, has been practically living in the Bay training top talent.

But the power-house of ‘Carmen’ is the chorus. And we have 34 singers from the towns, farms and hills of the Bay. (Scott drives in from Dannevirke). Real people with trained voices. Both are important in this people’s opera.

Remember Violetta in La Traviata and Musetta in Boheme? Well Daryn has devoted her extraordinary energy and musical ‘savvy’ this time to the chorus.

But this is all front-line – behind are twice as many. Down at Farmlands – a big area on loan for the show – you will find working day after day for nothing but the joy of achievement Len and his mates who are building all four sets!

The theatre itself, believe it – you’ll see it – is built in the Spanish Mission style. Made for ‘Carmen’.

‘Carmen’ is a treasure for musicians and a sure success with the public. The story is real. The characters live. The passions blaze in the common heart of human nature. This is one of the finest musico-dramatic creations of any age.

[Advertisements]

Fashions may come and go, but
TRUE STYLE IS TIMELESS
Rembrandt
Alexanders’ Graham Bell has a national reputation for knowing the difference between flights of fancy and creating a lasting impression.
Choosing a Rembrandt Suit is a rewarding personal experience at Alexanders.
The right fabric, the most suitable cut and a perfect fit.
Alexanders Napier City and Rembrandt.
Style for all seasons.
ALEXANDERS NAPIER CITY
Shop 8 Ocean Boulevard Napier
Phone (06) 8355 152

DOMESTIC OR COMMERCIAL
FOR ALL YOUR CARPET NEEDS
Best Selection
Finest Brands
All Installations are Backed by Full Warranty
CARPET
FURNITURE
SOFT FURNISHING
HUTCHINSON’S
HERETAUNGA STREET EAST, HASTINGS
PHONE (06) 878-2144

Page 12

[Advertisements]

The 4R’s in wooden furniture
Restoration of old and antique furniture
Repairs
Repolishing
Reproduction
Antique furniture in elegant mahogany
And we stock hardwood outdoor furniture
OLDENTIME FURNITURE
Skilled and caring craftsmen
Phone Trevor Tilyard
(06) 878-7014
A/h (06) 877-6039
Showroom/factory 409 Queen Street W, Hastings
Open Saturday Morning
HORIZON 2943

ANVIL COURT
MOTOR LODGE
IF YOU ARE FROM OUT OF TOWN THE PLACE TO STAY IS THE
ANVIL COURT MOTOR LODGE
McGinty’s restaurant & cocktail bar
We will be open late for coffee and desserts after the Opera
Late dining by arrangement
1400 Karamu Rd North, Hastings
Phone 876-4122

Taste
HAWKE’S BAY
NEW ZEALAND
Taste Hawke’s Bay
P.O.Box 8445
Havelock North NZ
Phone/Fax 06 877-5938
Say Hello, Goodbye,
Congratulations, Thank You
To your friends, family, staff, clients with a the ultimate gift –
A Taste of Hawke’s Bay.

We would like to take this opportunity to wish Hawke’s Bay Opera another successful season
AVISON’S FLOWERS
Tel. 876 8414
EST. 1977
923 KARAMU ROAD NORTH, HASTINGS
Flowers for all occasions, locally, throughout New Zealand and the world.
Flowers speak an international language and express our often held-back feelings
Avison’s FLORIST

Page 13

Production Personnel

Conductor
Alan Foster

Director
Richard Campion

Set Designer
Keith Brazier

Chorus Mistress
Daryn Elston-Smith

Choreographer
Shirley Jarrett

Production Manager
Sam Browne

Stage Manager
Maxine Andersen

Asst Stage Manager
Jill Greig

Rehearsal Secretary
Morva Crofskey

Rehearsal Pianists
Marie Stothart
Corrie Hughes
Elizabeth Curtis
Shirley Bell
Geraldine Power

Wardrobe
Lois Reefman with
Jan Simmers
Bev Elms
Jill Taylor

Wardrobe continued
Pam Anyon
Bev Hawke
Julie Smith
Frances Murray

Properties
Barbara Jones with
Allison Bullock
Simon Howard
John Lowe
Maureen Mullany
Liz Pegg
Alexandra Pegg
Mike Smith
Pam Winfield
Hastings Boys’ High School

Set Construction
Len Evans
Carl Wright
Owen McMillan
and friends

Lighting Adviser
Gwyn Ace

Lighting Manager
Robin Johnson

Lighting Crew
Ngaire Anderson
Russell Anderson
Warren Harris
Jason Kyle
Catherine Pegg
Stephanie Pegg

Painters
Ralph Cleland
and friends

Mechanist
Staveley Tankersley

Stage Crew
Alan Adam
Brian Cochrane
Len Evans
Owen McMillan
Steve Radley
Dan Ricketts
Staveley Tankersley
Gordon Vogtherr
Brian Wilkinson

Fly Floor
Dave Austin
Stu Doig
Mike Eagle
Barry Hughes

Make-Up
Dawn McCowatt with
Cath Barker
Maureen Brady
Judy Dagg
Barbara Hodgson
Helen Jackson
Isobel Martin
Diana Newdick
Brian Overend
Minnie Wright

Call Stewards
Rhonda Browne
Morva Crofskey

Children’s Supervisor
Flora Ross

Bookings
Rosalind Elliott
Phillipa Yorke
John Averill
and friends

Front of House
James Baker
Mark von Dadelszen
Ken Hutchison

Theatre Decoration
Pat Stewart with
Woodford House
and friends

Refreshments
Annetta Keys
and friends

Resources
John Pryce

Programme Cover
Piera McArthur

Legal Adviser
Bannister and von Dadelszen

Auditor
Dent, Robertson and Partners

Acknowledgements

Hastings Group Theatre
Hastings Musical Comedy Co.
Hastings Operatic Society
Napier Operatic Society
Hiremaster
Copy Plus
Royal N.Z. Ballet
Countdown
Memorial Hospital Nurses
Ian Appleton
Tumu Timbers
Telecom Central Ltd
Clear Communications Ltd
Hawke’s Bay Herald-Tribune Ltd
Napier Daily Telegraph
Te Mata Estate Winery
Hastings Building Society
Alexanders Apparel
Avisons Flowers
S.E. Morgan & Sons Ltd
Young, Wilding & Carr
Kelly McNeil
Anne Perry
Aporo Rover Scouts
Palm City Motors
Tourist Kelt Motors
Conroy Removals Ltd
Write Price
Bannister and von Dadelszen
Glen and Ken Hutchison
Millbrook Furniture
John Pryce Interiors
Chilton Gardens
Marewa Home Bakery
H.B. Electric Power Board
Ingeborg Jensen
The Office Furniture Company
Ross Williams
Ian Fraser
James Baker
Jenny Leu Williams
Leith Morgan
St Andrew’s Estate Cidery
Phillipa Yorke
Karamu Auto Court
Richardson’s Pharmacy
Thomsons Suits
Hastings Motors Ford
Peter Dunkerley Chemist
Central Regional Arts Council
Helen Whittaker
ATC
Central Regional Arts Council

Farmlands for rehearsal and construction premises

Page 14

Hawke’s Bay Opera Scholarships

Following each opera season a recipient of a Hawke’s Bay scholarship is chosen. These scholarships are awarded in different areas of performance or production and are seen as encouragement for future training to the betterment of theatre in general.

Past recipients are:-

Joe Christensen   La Traviata
Scott Cormack   La Boheme
Maxine Andersen   The Pearl Fishers

Thanks

Hawke’s Bay Opera is grateful for continuing financial support from sponsors, patrons, donors and members. Without this, opera in Hawke’s Bay would not survive.

Many people say that they do not have the means at present to support Hawke’s Bay Opera. This is understandable in the current economic situation.

However, there is one way in which supporters can help and that is by bequest.

If you are considering making or updating a will you may like to consider making a bequest to Hawke’s Bay Opera. This would be a very real way to ensure a future for opera in the Bay.

Hawke’s Bay Opera is a registered charitable trust.

[Advertisements]

Cat & Fiddle Ale House
SEE US AFTER THE OPERA FOR A DELICIOUS LIQUEUR OR COFFEE
502 KARAMU ROAD, HASTINGS
OPEN 7 DAYS UNTIL LATE

A great place to celebrate with friends!
Italian Cuisine
Julios
OPEN 7 DAYS
LUNCH   DINNER
Licensed   Imported Italian Wine
Reasonable Prices
220 Karamu Road North
Hastings
Phone 8768187

IDEAL FOR
Dinner   Coffee
Lunch   Wine
Supper   Ales
Dessert   Great Value
Open 7 days from 11am
ST VINEES WINE BAR AND CAFE
108 Market St S.
Hastings
Phone 878-8596

For Genuine Quality in an age of compromise
See Heards Jewelry [Jewellery] Centre
“Your Centre of Excellence”
Upper Emerson St, Napier. Ph 835-8387
Central Mall, Hastings. Ph 878-7860

TOURIST KELT MOTORS LTD
ARE PROUD TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH
HAWKE’S BAY OPERA MITSUBISHI MOTORS

Page 15

YOUR THEATRE – A GEM RESTORED

Hastings with a population of 7000 helped raise £15,000 to build this theatre in 1915. Designed by Henry E. White in the Spanish Mission style, it survived the earthquake save the backstage area which was rebuilt after 1931.

The Hastings Municipal Theatre Trust formed four and a half years ago has almost completed the task of refurbishing and redecorating the theatre. Certain structural alterations have been carried out to enable the entrance foyer to be enlarged and a new look given to the front of the theatre. Other major work includes the grand circle (formerly the “Gods”) now equipped with individual seats and completely carpeted in line with the dress circle and the stalls. The dress circle foyer has been enlarged, a new male toilet area created and a link formed joining the previous council and mayoral chambers to the theatre itself.

Ron Goodwin, famous International composer and conductor, recently assured the people of the district that, “This theatre is the best little opera house in Australasia”.

The Trust is engaged in raising finances for the redecorating and the refurbishing of the previous council and mayoral chambers and the ground floor entrance and stairway.

The Hastings District Council is turning its attention to major backstage upgrading work in the Municipal Theatre itself.

[Advertisements]

Miele
Anything else is a compromise
Cooking class
Fan-forced and conventional cooking, a microwave oven, rotisserie and self-cleaning. Also roasts and browns automatically and come in brown and white.
Town & Country KITCHENS
603 KARAMU RD NORTH
OPP NELSON PARK, HASTINGS

CARLILE DOWLING LAWYERS
Lawlink House, Raffles Street, Napier
Private Bag, Napier
Phone (06) 835-3177
Partners
Keith Monagan   Hal Nash
Tony Wilson   Roy Peach
Martin Doole   Gavin Thornton
Associates
Steve Manning   Angela Pidd
Mark Luscombe   Stacey Devoy
We provide expert legal advice and service in all commercial and property matters and all other areas of law, including civil litigation.
CARLILE DOWLING
Your Hawke’s Bay Legal Team with NATIONWIDE resources.
LAWLINK
BETTER LAW
AN ASSOCIATION OF EXPERIENCED LEGAL PRACTICES AND [?]

Palm City
MOTORS LMVD
MITSUBISHI MOTORS
Thackeray Street, NAPIER.
PHONE (06) 835-5269
See us today for your new Mitsubishi or quality used car

Page 16

Gallo-Marie the original Carmen

[Advertisements]

DESIGNERS
Leaders in Fashion
THORNTON HALL
JAG
ADELE PALMER
BIK BOK
FREDRICK
THERESE REAGAN
designers
TARADALE
WEAR ELSE!
PH: 844-5655
OPEN SATURDAYS UNTIL 4PM

Chloé Narcisee
Parfum’s Chloé Paris
Available now at
IAN KERR Pharmacy
East City Mall, Hastings
Phone 878-4613

Photo caption – Galli-Marié the original Carmen.

For Gifts of Distinction
Spanish Pottery Series by artist Valda Niederer
March 24-April 30
Studio Glass Ceramics Painting
Statements GALLERY
Contemporary New Zealand Art
Village Court, Havelock North. Phone 877-8020
Open 7 days

Page 17

GEORGES BIZET AND CARMEN

Historical Note

Georges Bizet was delighted when the Opéra-Comique commissioned him to write a piece. He had recognised the excellent operatic possibilities of Prosper Mérimée’s novel Carmen (written in 1845) and he was fortunate in getting Henri Meilhac and Ludovic Halévy to collaborate on the libretto.

Of his finished work he said to a friend “. . . This time I have written a work that is all clarity and vivacity, and full of colour and melody. I think you will like it.” Delays ensued, partly because of initial rehearsal difficulties, partly because the plot was considered scandalous and obscene, but eventually Carmen reached the stage on 3 March, 1875. It was not a success. The subject – the seduction and corruption of a young soldier by a voluptuous and amoral gypsy – was considered shocking and immoral in its day, especially in an opera destined for the Opéra-Comique, a theatre frequented by the staid and conservative bourgeoisie of Paris. Bizet died three months later at 37, never knowing the success of his opera.

The opera was given 45 performances during the year and though its plot won for it a certain succés de scandale it was not well attended. It was not revived in Paris until 1883 – despite the fact that a production in Vienna in October 1875 achieved a striking success. This production paved the way to Carmen’s world-wide reputation, since when it has remained one of the half-dozen most popular operas ever written. For Vienna, Ernest Guiraus replaced the spoken dialogue with accompanied recitatives, and it is this version that has usually been performed. In the present production we are returning to spoken dialogue and Bizet’s own version of the opera, published in 1875.

Bizet’s Pearl Fishers is still frequently performed today, but it lives for its music, not for its story and its characters. With Carmen, Bizet hoped to extend and transform the genre. That he certainly did. Carmen did more than give opera one of its most alluring female characters: it opened an era of realism and naturalism, not only in France, but also in Italy, where the new style became known as verismo, from the Italian word for truth. For Carmen gave Bizet the opportunity to compose music for real flesh-and-blood characters: characters who sprang from the soil of Spain, and who were recognisably Spanish; who were carried away by their obsessive but believable passions, into violence and tragedy. The fact that Bizet had never set foot in Spain and that most of his melodies weren’t Spanish at all doesn’t really matter. It is Spain as we think of it. And after all, as someone asked – “Was Dante ever in Hell?”

[Advertisement]
Saddles Function Centre
at the Hastings Racecourse Prospect Road
ARE PROUD TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH HAWKE’S BAY OPERA
We are here for all your catering needs: Corporate functions Conferences
Seminars Weddings Anniversaries Dinner Parties
Balls Saddles Restaurant 300 Seating capacity
or Cheval Room (now refurbished) 200 Seating capacity Phone Neil Willis (06) 876-5424

Page 18

FOUNDATION MEMBERS

Miss Joy Archibald
Canon C.V.D. Baker
Mr and Mrs James Baker
Mr and Mrs Frank Boyce
Mrs Caryl Boyle
Sue Branch
Mr and Mrs M.J. Brenstrum
Mr and Mrs W. Bull
Wendy and Alex Burns
Cecily Charlton-Jones
Mr and Mrs A.B. Christensen
Mr Scott Cormack
Mrs M. Crook
Paddy and Jean Crowe
Mr and Mrs R.A. Date
Mrs Patricia Davidson
Mrs Ruth Donovan
Mr Neil Edmundson
Miss C.A. Elliott
Mr and Mrs Len Evans
Mrs E.M. Ferguson
Mr and Mrs Geoff Fuller
Mrs N. Geor
Mr Chris Gibbs
Mrs D. Goddard
Mrs Pamela Graham
Mr Bruce Greenfield
Sir Richard Harrison
Miss Margot Harvey
Mr and Mrs C. Heard
Mrs N.R. Isaacs
Miss Amy Jarvis
Mrs G. Kempshall
Mr and Mrs Ian Kerr
Mr Ken Keys
Dr and Mrs A. Kurta
Mrs M.G. Lowry
Mrs Valerie Mays
Miss S. McKeever
Mrs Freda Milne
Mr Michael Morgan
Mr and Mrs J.E. Morgan
Mrs W.J. Morgan
Mrs Thelma Murphy
Mrs Rachel Plank
Miss Maree Reid
Mrs N.M. Renouf
Miss E.M. Sampson
Janet Smith
Mrs Staveley Tankersley
Mrs Frances Tod
Mrs B. Tolley
Mrs Kathleen Twigg
Mr and Mrs Stan Walmsley
Mr and Mrs Guy Wellwood
Marie and John Wenley
Mrs D.I. Whyte
Mr Ulrick Williams
Mr Cedric Wright
Helen Whittaker

MEMBERS
Dr and Mrs Ian Abernethy
Ngaire and Russell Anderson
Mrs J Anyan
Miss June Armstrong
Mrs B.H. Aveling
Dr Peter Bannister
Mr and Mrs Lex Barker
G.E. and K.S. Barnett
Mrs D.H. Beamish
Dr John and Mrs Sue Beaumont
Mrs W, Bickerstaff
Mrs B. Blackmore
Dr and Mrs M.I. Bostock
Mr and Mrs Sam Browne
Miss E. Carr
Gaye Carrington-Smith
Mr and Mrs T.I. Caseley
Mrs Lyn Chapman
Miss Anne Cheng
Mrs Lillian Chittenden
Mrs Adele Cochrane
Mr and Mrs T.C. Cooke
Mr and Mrs W.F. Crist
Mr and Mrs D. Crofskey
Mrs Joyce Cullinane
Mrs Ena Dames
Mrs Averil G. Day
Mrs Marion Dent
Judith and Wyn Drabble
Fiona and Les Dunn
Dr Colin and Anne Dykes
Mr and Mrs T.H. Dysart
Mark and Julie Eagle
Dr and Mrs James Elliott
Steve and Edwina Ellison
Dr Ross and Diana English
Mrs June Farmer
Mr Barry Fell
Mrs Christina Foley
Miss Joy Forbes
Mrs Wendy Forster
Mr and Mrs Ian S. Fraser
Mrs J.A. Geere-Watson
Mrs E.E. Gilbertson
John and Valda Gillies
Mrs Elaine Goodwin
S.C.M. and R.G. Graham
Mrs V. Fay Hanna
Mrs D.M. Hay
Mr and Mrs M.J. Hay
Diane and Garry Hebley
Mrs Colleen Henderson
Mrs Kate Holden
Mr and Mrs J.D. Hole
Mr and Mrs Ian Hopson
Mr Ivan Hunt
Mr and Mrs Ken Hutchison
Mr Peter Ingram
Helen M. Jackson
Mr and Mrs Syd Jago
Miss Rosemary James
Mrs L.M. Joll
Mr and Mrs Paul Jones
Barbara Jones
Dr and Mrs Colin Jones
Mr Fenton Kelly
Joyce and Gerald Kemp
Norris and Rita Kenwright
Mr and Mrs John Kingsford
Michael Kyle
Mrs Kath La Rooy
Joss Lamers and K. Peters
Mrs R. Land
Marion and Ross Lange and family
Mr and Mrs John Latton
Dr B.M. Lewis
Mrs J. Liddy
Mrs Beverley Lidington
Mr Wayne Lister
P.A.G. Mackie
Paul and Lyn Matthews
Mrs Jean Maxwell
Mrs J.R. McCool
Mrs Hilary McGregor
Ann and Ray McHalick
Mrs Valerie Mclnnes
Mrs B. McKenzie
Mrs O.R. McLaughlin
Mr and Mrs Gavin McLean
Mr Peter McNeill
Mr and Mrs J. Melhuish
Tracy and John Mellelieu
Mr L.F. Morgan
Mrs J.C. van-F. Mulder
Miss Patricia Murtagh
Mrs D.C. Neill
Mrs E.J.D. Newbigin
Ngaire and Peter Newby
Mrs C.E. Northe
Mr and Mrs John Nott
Mrs Elizabeth Palmer
Mrs J.I. Pattullo
Mrs Audrey Pay
Mr and Mrs W.E.P. Percy
Lady Pettigrew
Miss Rachel Plummer
Mr and Mrs Marcus Poole
Mrs M.P. Power
Mr John Pryce
Mr W.S. Riley
Mr and Mrs Les Robertson
Mrs L.M. Ross
Mrs Marie E. Russell
Mr and Mrs Fred Sanders
Mr and Mrs J. Scotland
Mr and Mrs A.A. Shaw
Mrs Jean Shaw
Mr and Mrs E.R. Shepherd
Mr and Mrs J.R. Simpson
Mrs Margaret Sloane
Mr J.M. Spijker
Mrs Elaine Stent
Mrs M. Struthers
Mrs Jill Taylor
Mrs Karen Tebay
Miss D. Templeton
Mrs Joan Thompson
Mrs M.R. Thompson
Mrs E.M. Treacher
Mr and Mrs Fred Twyford
Mrs Jane Tylee
Mr and Mrs H. Van Hooijdonk
Mr and Mrs L.E. Vaughan
Mr and Mrs Michael Vinten
Louie and Jopie Vogels
M. and E. von Dadelszen and family
Mrs Alison Wall
Lillian Walsh
Mrs O.G. Walton
Mrs Glen Ward
Mr and Mrs Mason Waterworth
Mrs Anne Watt
Mrs Eve Weir
Mrs Jenny Leu Williams
Mr and Mrs Peter Williams
Ken and Eleanor Wyley
Dr David and Mrs Yates
Mr and Mrs St.J. Yorke
Dr and Mrs S.R. Young

[Advertisements]

STEPPING OUT AT 123
WINE BAR AND RESTAURANT
LUNCHES
Just Coffee through to innovative lunch
AFTERNOON TEA
A selection of fresh coffee and quality teas 1930’s style
DINNERS
A la Carte – creative New Zealand cuisine at its finest
Extensive range of acclaimed wines
Open seven days a week from 11.30am till late
Phone 06 876 3123
123 Queen Street East, Hastings

OPEN 7 DAYS
Andrea’s
HAIR DESIGN & BEAUTY THERAPY
fragrance
PARFUMEURS TO HAVELOCK NORTH
French Fragrances & Cosmetics
Hairdressing & Beauty Therapy for men and women
PORTER DRIVE PO BOX 8411 HAVELOCK NTH PH (06) 677-7465

“A Knight at the Opera”
EST. 1885
Another great local performer.
THE HASTINGS BUILDING SOCIETY
Market Street North Hastings.
Ph (06) 677-7465
Major sponsors of this production.
Working for our community, exclusively.
AdplusHBS3591

CHB PRINT 1900